Hey everyone!

I know, it's been a while, sorry for the long wait, and thank you for being so patient and for all your kind words guys, I'm so happy you have enjoyed the previous chapter and Vauseman love confession :D It took me a little longer to get this chapter done because I really wanted to give it to you complete, and not split in two separate parts.

It's really, really long guys, I'm not joking. So you better go grab a snack or something before diving in, lol. The road is gonna be a bit bumpy too, especially towards the end of the chapter :P

Enjoy

The mansion is even more beautiful than you remember.

But that's probably an impression delivered even more strongly by the stunning lights that you haven't seen during your daytime visit, enveloping into a warm soft orange glow the rooms and the other decorations that have been specifically arranged for the evening and for the guests' appreciation.

Alex appears to be impressed by the decor and the general structure of the mansion itself as well. Even from the outside. Although, just like you were the first time you came here, even she is a bit suspicious by the vastness and eccentricity of the place.

"Dealing gems is profitable," She comments, as you make your way up the stairs towards the main entrance. "But this seems a little too much. Unless our host has other deals going on."

You don't comment on that suspicion. Just wrap your arm a bit more tightly around Alex's elbow and lean closer to her when you feel an icy shiver crawl up your spine at the implications and knowledge, trying to shake off that sensation clinging to you that makes you feel like you might be stepping inside a potentially dangerous situation.

"Are you cold?" Alex concerned question as she tugs you just that tiny bit closer is enough to curl your lips into a smile, but you shake your head in negative. Because yeah, thinking better of it, you could have grabbed a jacket or a scarf considering the chilly breeze blowing outside, but you melt immediately when you feel Alex's warmth pressed more closely against you and the touch of her hand stroking softly your arm up and down.

The remnants of that chill are taken away when you step inside and right into the vast foyer where the air is much warmer, both from the lights and from the number of people filling the space, which is actually a bit more crowded than what you expected it to be.

There are already many guests milling around, all nicely dressed, music playing in the background, and caterers winding discreetly in between groups of people to offer appetizers and champagne.

"Well, look at that," Alex announces, sounding surprised, but at the same time not so much after all. "And here I thought it was going to be just the usual, boring, pretentious auction."

You can't exactly distinguish the tone that seeps in that statement, something like humor tinged with sarcasm, but... not really. The impression you have is that she actually expected something like this. At last, you just shrug, pointing out that "It's possible that Mr. Balik wanted to spoil his potential buyers, making them a bit breezy with all these bubbles before starting. Alcohol might get them to lift the paddle faster."

You realize a bit too late the way that came out, sounding suspiciously like something else entirely, and witnessing Alex's smirk at that choice of words isn't a surprise at all.

"You make an excellent point, kid." She says and thankfully, she doesn't comment further, even though you can see the glint of amusement shimmering just beneath the surface of those vibrant green lakes.

Your heart flutters in front of that sly smile. Some other parts of you respond as well, and just as intensely - and for the tenth time in as many minutes, you are kind of regretting not taking up on the occasion that had presented earlier at Alex's place.

Arriving fashionably late with the excuse of spending some intimate, quality time together is the only thing on your mind now that you have her so close to you, warm and solid and dressed so exquisitely... and also with all these people around, that make any of those compelling scenarios that have started to cross your mind, of you and her naked in bed, impossible to act on, and oddly enough, so much more appealing.

On the other hand, if you would have given in to that desire, you might not have found any reason to get out of bed at all; anything you wanted and needed would have been right there with you.

But that's fine. You can wait till later, for now, you are just going to enjoy having her near you, innocently like this, and of course, focus on the reason you are here, just like Alex reminds you, flashing you that teasing, knowing look that seems to say "I know what you have been thinking about."

A look that is enough to paint your cheeks into a soft, warm, blush.

"Come," You say, clearing softly your throat and leading her further inside, past the foyer and towards the main living room where even more people have gathered. "Let's see if we can find our host."

It's an excuse, a diversion to not have Alex look at you that way, and eventually, it works.

She focuses on the surrounding, spotting the cameras that you had previously mentioned to her, and glancing at the windows and all the other ways that can lead outside in the couple main rooms you pace lazily around pretending to mingle with the rest of the guests.

Honestly, if you didn't know what Alex is doing, you would probably never catch her in the act. She is so subtle that even you, already keeping a close look at her, have difficulties in catching her thoroughly examining the place, but it's that curious glint in her eyes what gives her away. A look that passes unnoticed to everyone around, dozens and dozens of people that are totally oblivious of who this magnificent creature is, even though a few curious gazes linger - much to your non-jealous self - on her for a few beats longer. And the fact that you always stay by her side, making sure that your arm or your hand is always laced with hers, well... that's just a coincidence, of course.

Nothing to do with a tiny bit of flickering jealousy.

Pfff, of course not.

From the amused look that shapes Alex's features, however, even if she doesn't say anything when you pull her closer than necessary when a woman eyes her up and down and has the audacity to throw her a seductive smirk, then Alex definitely seems to think otherwise.

You are immensely grateful when, probably on purpose, she diverts your attention by asking you about the fuse box and where you have seen it. Promptly pulling you back to the task at hand and pushing those thoughts and feelings of non-jealousy far away from your mind.

"Over there," You gesture with a tilt of your chin, indicating the hallway under the stairs leading to the upper floor from the foyer.

"So what's the plan." You whisper conspiratorially in her ear.

"Not getting caught snooping around," Alex smirks and you roll your eyes at her in exasperation, but there is also a hint of affection in it, despite how much of a smug smartass she looks like right now.

"All right," Alex starts, summarizing once she has taken a proper look around the place. "The auction is taking place over there apparently- they seem to have arranged the ballroom for it. I'm going to check that box out when everyone is there."

"Just to be sure." You hesitate. "You don't intend robbing the place, do you?"

"I don't know. Like you said there are a few interesting items around, I might decide to." From the look that she is giving you, you really don't know if she means it or if she is just teasing you. "But for now it is only a precaution for taking a better look around." She reassures, but the doubt lingers in your mind.

You are just about to voice it to her when the music gets turned down and someone over a microphone announces that the auction is going to start in a matter of minutes and to please take a seat in the adjacent room.

"Our host seems to be a tad shy. No sight of him yet?" Alex asks with a suspicious frown knitting her eyebrows as you make your way to the arranged, vast, ballroom.

You look around like you have done since you have arrived, trying to spot him but... "No. I don't see him anywhere."

For a moment though, just before you are about to enter the ballroom, you seem to spot someone else.

A familiar face, among the group of caterers gathering used glasses and putting away the rest of the appetizers, catches your interest.

You crane your neck to try and have a better look, but in the moment you blink, it is gone.

"You okay there, kid?"

It is Alex's voice that pulls you out from your scrutiny, it takes you a moment to focus and you know that even if she doesn't say anything, the nod and smile that you give her, aren't very convincing. But there is that doubt, that has settled in the back of your mind, and you can't help but look in that direction again. But once more, as to reaffirm your disappointment, that face you thought you knew, that flash of someone you thought you were just there to recognize with just a better glance, is no longer there.

You shake your head.

It was probably just one of those faces...

. . .

"Sold for ten thousand dollars to the paddle 457." The auctioneer announces, banging the gavel.

A wave of applause erupts all around and you join in, more because you are completely baffled than anything else, still having to wrap your head around what just happened.

"Correct me if I'm wrong," You whisper, leaning in closer to Alex's seat as soon as that shock has diminished a little, enough for you to find your voice. "But did that guy just spent ten thousand dollars to buy a quarter?"

"A quarter from 1783," Alex corrects, mocking indignation at your generalization before the pretended look of shock crumbles easily and she bursts out chuckling, as expected.

"But yeah. He did. Coins collectors." She comments, shaking her head in amusement. "Never got that kind of enthusiasm, especially not for old rusty coins." Her lips purse into a brief little sneer at the image, shuddering too for good measure, and your chuckles only intensify at that, because of course...

Alex likes bright, shiny things that make the same stars envious, and will never lose their sparkle for ages to come.

Your interest, however, gets ignited once more when you look down at the auction program folder and see what the next piece is.

But apparently, this is also the exact moment that Alex decides to put her back up-precaution plan into action.

"I'm going to go check that fuse box." She announces just as the auctioneer introduces the next lot as it is brought over.

"What? Right now? But they are selling a Turner, and a Rembrandt after that," You protest in a whisper, looking longingly at the painting being carefully placed on the easel, depicting a ship on a troubled, stormy sea. Even from here, in the last row, where Alex suggested you should seat to be more close to the exit, it looks beautiful. And you barely resist the urge to huff indignantly since you have been curious to see how high such an exceptional painting was going to sell, but it seems like Alex sees this as the best opportunity.

"Trust me." She says, and you already do, even before she explains further. "Everybody in here is going to be fighting over that piece and the next one for a while. This is my chance if I want to take a look around."

You certainly don't argue over such logic. But you surely argue when she moves to stand with a simple, "I'll be back in a few."

"Wait, are you going alone?" You whisper-shout incredulous, wrapping your hand around her elbow to pull her down again, stopping her just in time.

Alex merely smirks with amusement at you.

"It may sound absurd to you kid, but usually, I tend to work alone."

"Oh no." You shake your head, narrowing your eyes at her in a challenging glare. "Tonight you're not. We came here together, didn't we?"

The auctioneer is about to finish describing the painting, and as soon as Alex realizes it, not wanting to waste any more precious time, she just sighs. "There is no way you are going to let me do this on my own, is there?"

"Not a chance."

Alex groans, rolling her eyes but she doesn't look half as disappointed as she is trying to appear.

"Fine. But we need to go, right now."

That's all you need to hear to leave your seat.

And, just as Alex predicted, all of the guests' attention is directed to that exceptional painting that you watch grow smaller as you sneak out of the room, completely undetected.

. . .

Despite the impressive amount of guests invited and the value of the lots presented at the auction, you are beyond surprised that there are no guards around to surveil the place. Which is a relief. For you at least.

Alex however, she is a bit disappointed, just like she seems to be about the old cameras and security system installed, not to mention annoyed about the fact that "everybody underestimates the importance of pointing a camera towards the fuse box."

"It sounds a lot like you are complaining." You can't help but point out when you reach the mentioned box hanging on the hallway wall, under the main stairs leading on the first floor, keeping an eye out for any other presence.

The rest of the caterers have apparently moved towards the kitchen and the other major living room on the other side of the mansion where the after auction party should take place.

Alex scoffs at your comment, pulling out a pair of disposable black gloves and a picklock set from her vest pocket. She puts on the gloves and gets in position to open the sturdy lock secured on the box's panel.

"I'm not. But I appreciate when there is... more of a challenge. Keeps up my adrenaline and concentration." She explains, and then, just like that, after barely two seconds from having inserted the pick locks, and with just a little twist of her hand, the lock clicks open, and Alex turns to look at you with that same please smirk.

"There you go. Open, sesame."

"That was easy enough." You comment as she opens the panel, definitely impressed but not surprised by yet another demonstration of what those incredibly talented hands can do.

Red immediately tinges your cheeks when much more inappropriate thoughts involving those hands gather in your mind.

"All right, let's see what we have here." Thankfully, once Alex is focused, she is much less of a teasing little shit, which is something you appreciate immensely at the moment, even if the seriousness in her all-business look and knowledge that you are technically watching the most wanted thief of the world at work is... Just another reason for your face to grow warmer and your stomach to tighten with an irrepressible stab of excitement.

It's so hard not get turned on simply by watching her in action...

You swallow that sensation down and pretend to ignore it when it starts swirling lower in your belly, by taking a peek into the panel as well and-

Well...

The mess of cables is enough to tune that feeling down a bit and let some anxiety surface instead.

But Alex seems unconcerned, mumbling a bit to herself, cataloging the contents of the box, from the side that contains the electrical control panel, to the one beside it, where the security system has been installed.

"It's an old model," It's what she confirms, eventually, thoughtfully. "Secure enough, but just like many of this kind, it can be cheated."

You lean in closer, honestly curious by how she is going to "cheat it."

"This is the main cable of the security system. If I disconnect it without the key-" She explains pointing to the tiny lock encased on top. "-the alarm will go off as a defensive measure, but if I do this..."

It is when she starts fiddling with cables, selecting a few and then unplugging them that your anxiety turns into a brief panic.

But... nothing happens.

Still, you hold your breath and watch with that swelling feeling as she plugs them back in a different order.

"There." She announces, and you wonder how can she do this and sound so calm when your heart is still pounding in your throat with dread of getting caught any minute.

"The electricity still flows but I have disables the cameras from recording."

"That's it?" You sputter, still half panicked and at the same time a bit shocked by her expertise in the matter. You're starting to think that some of those rumors about the red rose thief having some crazy advanced electronic knowledge comparable to an Asian genius weren't bullshit after all.

Alex's satisfied smile turns into that smirk again.

Ugh.

So irritating.

"Careful there. Now you are the one that sounds a bit disappointed, kid."

You narrow your eyes at her, ready to answer her, but before you can even open your mouth and say anything, the sounds of a door closing and steps on marble floor resonate all around, followed by the one of a voice. Someone speaking on a phone in a foreign language - maybe one of Mr. Balik's associates, the ones you have noticed around during your first visit - and heading towards what seems to be your direction.

Your heart jumps in your throat again, and even if you trust Alex, you can't help but wonder if maybe she has done something, messing up with the security cameras that is about to get you caught.

Alex curses under her breath, hurriedly closing the panel and locking the box again, while you look around in search for a way out that isn't through the foyer, because whoever that person is, is coming right from there.

The door on the other side of the hallway is the nearest and it seems that Alex thinks of it as the only good idea too as she pulls you along towards it.

Luckily, it is unlocked and you manage to sneak in just a few seconds before the steps round the corner. Alex clicks the door shut as quietly as she can and promptly presses you against the wall just behind it, and as the breath catches in your throat and your heartbeat thrums heavily in your ears, you try not to think about how much the fear of getting caught and the sensation of having Alex pressed so close to you, mingle so deliciously with the feeling that had sparked just a few minutes ago outside when you were watching her work her magic.

Because now it's definitely not the time to feel certain things.

Nope.

Alex heartbeat is much more controlled against your chest though, calm even, which is so comforting right now, in a way you didn't know you needed to feel to start breathing again. Inhaling deeply, though silently, drinking in her scent. So reassuring and sweetly grounding - against the adrenaline that threatens to drown you - like the soft, gentle hand placed on your waist, of which warmth you can feel even through your dress and the gloves that Alex is still wearing.

"All clear."

It is only when Alex whispers those two words that you realize you have closed your eyes, blocking out the rest of the world for a couple of seconds, and when they flutter open once more, they lock immediately on soft green ones.

The room is dark all around, except the light filtering through the windows of... you look around what seems to be an empty library you seem to have sneaked into?

But even in that partial darkness surrounding you, you are still able to make out Alex's profile and the outline of the amused, curious smile that tugs at her lips. And those eyes, piercing right through the partial darkness.

"He has walked on the other side of the hallway. Heard another door closing behind him. It wasn't about the cameras." She assures, seeming to read what your main concern was about, and that smile only widens even more when she notices your gaze shifting down to her mouth as she speaks.

Neither of you makes a move to even put some space between you two now that the potential danger is gone.

"You are enjoying this too much I'm afraid." It's what Alex says after a moment, and you can't even pretend to look outraged by the accusation.

Because honestly? How could you not enjoy this?

Sure, you almost got caught but...

That thrill.

That shock of electricity and the adrenaline winding through the system that has left you buzzing all over...

You wonder if this is how Alex feels every time she sneaks into a museum to steal something.

It's... Intoxicating.

Addictive.

Just like the heat and the feeling of the exquisite body pressed so sweetly against yours, and the scent that fills your nostrils and lungs, making those feelings burn all the brighter inside you. Like a flame devouring oxygen.

"You make it so much more enjoyable." You tell her at last, and if the words come out as a low breathy purr, well... it's not intentional. Not really. You did almost get caught and rushed into hiding after all.

Alex just grins, knowingly, and then leans in when you curl your hand on the back of her neck, a simple wordless request that she grants immediately.

It's dangerous engaging in something like this. Here. Now.

But at the same time, you can't really resist it.

The softness of her lips against yours is almost enough to make you forget where you are, and, inevitably, you end up losing yourself in the warmth of her mouth when Alex deepens the kiss.

When you pull back it is with extreme reluctance, but you have to, if you don't want to give in to the low humming feeling that is quickly spreading and descending lower in your belly.

Your hands are still on her, curled around her waist, holding her closer despite being already pressed as tightly together as possible in this position. And it is because of that, that you feel it.

That something bumpy in her pants pocket.

"Brought a few of those toys you mentioned tonight?" You ask a bit disappointed that she probably can't see very well the way you suggestively wiggle your eyebrows at her.

"Maybe I'm just happy to see you." She quips and you snort, sneaking a hand between your bodies, feeling for the pocket of her slacks, and, sure enough, there is something there.

A couple of tiny spheric objects.

"What's this?" You ask pulling one out, and trying to understand what it might be in the shadows.

"Impact smoke bomb."

The answer comes easy enough and it startles you a little.

"What? Like those used in magic tricks?" You chuckle incredulously. "You plan on making a Houdini style escape tonight?" You tease her, and Alex, with a hint of that smirk still visible in the partial darkness, offers one of those cryptic answers of her that only leaves you with the lingering doubt.

"You never know, kid."

She takes the little bomb back and secures it in one of her pockets before turning around, feeling the wall, searching for a switch.

Lights flick on and you are welcomed by the sight of what indeed is a library, wrapped in a smooth orange glow.

"Since we are already here, I suppose there is no harm in taking a look around, is there?" Alex asks, already stepping away from the wall to take in the room. A mix of mischief and excitement dripping from her voice. A tone and a look that makes impossible any attempt of not be affected by.

The library isn't as spacious as you thought it would be, not considering the dimensions of the estate at least, but it's still very nicely stocked, even if most of the books are written in different middle-eastern languages.

Other than that the place is nicely furnished. There is a desk, a solid piece of ancient furniture, beautifully crafted, beside one of the windows, and sofas and chairs around a glass coffee table arranged in the center of the room, all resting over the large wonderfully decorated Persian carpet.

If there is something that you have noticed in your second visit here, is that Mr. Balik seems to have good taste.

A fact that is once more proved right when in your observation, you notice another incredible painting hanging on the wall in between the two main bookshelves.

"Is that..." You squint and then your eyes widen in disbelief once more. "Is that another Turner landscape?!" The shocked question is more directed at yourself than to Alex, though she comes closer to inspect the painting as well when she hears the wonder in your voice.

"Constable." She corrects then after a thorough scrutiny.

"It's incredible."

"As incredible as it's fake."

Your head whips on the side to look at her then. Eyes wide and incredulous. Almost as if you have just been slapped.

"What?!" The sputter and added note of shock in your look does nothing if not amuse Alex more."How can you say that?"

She chuckles at the sight of your disbelief, but then she turns towards the painting and explains.

"Look at the colors." She advices, and you do, squinting in concentration, searching for that something, that easy giveaway that made Alex recognize a false with so much certainty. Not quite able to shake off the feeling that she might just be fucking with you. But then she actually makes some compelling arguments.

"See how they have been mingled together, especially the blue in the sky? Almost like watercolors. This paint is acrylic. Which was invented over a century after Constable supposedly painted this. Painters of that period mostly used oil on canvases, and this surely isn't oil. Also... The frame doesn't match. But," She adds as a general thought as she leans back to better admire the landscape in its completeness. "The painting is a good imitation I guess."

You turn to look more fully at her, blinking. Stunned. But at the same time... not so much.

All you know for sure of is that you hate - just a little - how much you secretly love when she gets nerdy like that.

"Do you have any idea how hot you sound when you say things like that?"

Ok...

That was supposed to stay in your head.

Because the last thing you want is inflating Alex's ego with your flattering.

Too late.

Although... Strangely enough, doesn't appear too smug at the blurted confession.

She gives you that curious look, the one you are quickly becoming very familiar with.

"You mean, say things that only one of those annoying, arrogant, pretentious, omniscient art experts would say?" She inquires suspiciously, and yet there is that same oily drop of amusement leaking into her smooth, deep voice making it sound even more velvety.

You hum, nodding, hoping that your blush isn't so visible after all. "More or less. But you aren't annoying-" Well, not so much, you tell yourself in afterthought when one of those irritating, beautiful smirks of hers flash in your mind. "-and you definitely aren't pretentious."

"Why thank you." Alex chuckles. "Always a relief hearing that."

You move on from the painting, inspecting the few books in English. Some are old, but none happen to be part of a rare edition.

"Well well. Look at what we have here..."

The sound of Alex's pleased surprise as she picks up something from a shelf diverts your attention from an encyclopedia of minerals - similar to the one you have noticed in Alex's workshop.

She is admiring one of those object nestled in between two thick blocks of glass, but once you are close enough to see what it actually is inside, you can't help but huff a laugh, especially when you notice the look of mischievous interest that lits Alex's face up as she admires it.

"I thought you weren't one of those rare coin fanatics collectors." You mock her, playfully turning her earlier words back to her.

Because yeah, that's what she said not even ten minutes ago during the auction. And now here she is. Turning back and forth that block in her hands to inspect the faces of the golden coin stuck in there with that expression of bright intrigue, one that turns almost into one of offense in the moment she registers your words.

"This isn't just a coin Piper." She says, eyes wide with both wonder and shock at your assumption. "It's a double eagle."

You just blink at her.

"It's one of the rarest, most wanted coins in the country. Worth millions of dollars."

Oh.

Well, that changes things.

"And he framed it like a picture. Placed it plain sight." She mumbles, shaking her head in puzzlement.

Your frown deepens once more in confusion then, because, "What's wrong with framing it or keeping it in plain view?"

And here Alex actually laughs.

"Because it's illegal to even possess this coin. The federal government has been collecting and melting them for years. There are less than two dozens still around."

Oh... Realization finally sinks into you, shaping your features as it does.

Because now you get why Alex is looking at it with that unmistakable glint in her eyes, because besides for the fact that the coin is made of shiny, sparkly, polished gold, it also happens to be a very forbidden piece of collection.

And Alex loves forbidden, potentially dangerous, troubling things.

Those are the ones that lit up her very essence. Making it sparkle in all its glory.

The same one you drink in with fervor every time you kiss her.

The same one that makes you feel like you live vicariously through her by tasting some of that essence and swallowing it down to rest within you.

After another longing glance at the coin, she looks back at you with that guilty-not-so-guilty expression, shrugging her shoulders in her "I can't help it" sort of way that makes you smile affectionately, even more, when she sighs and puts the block down where she found it.

"Better leave this here. I don't want a free pass for a three years resort in a federal prison."

"He's probably proud to have it." You point out. "That's why he keeps it in sight."

"Or just arrogant." She corrects. "He probably enjoys taking the risk of someone in law enforcement seeing it."

You doubt that Mr. Balik has many friends in law enforcement, but you never know, and you get what she means.

Taking the risk... That could be something that Alex and your host of the night have in common actually, besides being both kind of elusive and having a thing for collecting shiny things.

You look at the coin once more before glancing back at Alex, flashing her a little smirk. "Maybe once you get your gem back you are just going to frame it, too."

As expected, the ridiculous suggestion has her throw her head back with a soft laugh that turns your smirk into a full grin.

"Usually, as you know, I prefer to use my... findings, instead of keeping them stashed somewhere." She reminds you. Her humor dies down and slowly, something else takes over her face as she glances back at the coin.

"Not to mention that gem is not as unique as this coin is. In some way at least..." The words slip from her lips like a soft mumble, and there is something that crosses her face as she says that.

Something audible under the last fading traces of humor. Something thoughtful and distant, just like her gaze.

It reminds you of the look she gets something when she thinks about her mother. Although, there is no trace of sadness in her eyes this time. But... something else. Veiled. Secret.

And if that look isn't enough, when her words sink in, a frown creases between your eyebrows.

"What do you mean "in some way"?"

Everything she told you about that gem is that it is something exceptional, a jewel that has never been found before. Anywhere. Similar to no others. A composition of minerals that crystallized in a unique way.

Alex looks back at you and blinks, as if she had forgotten you were there and it takes her a moment to remember your question and then answer it.

"Nothing." She dismisses, offering you a shake of her head and a small smile that does the opposite of reassuring you.

It looks forced.

It lacks its usual light, and most importantly, the most worrying, suspicious thing, is that it doesn't reach her eyes.

Those green eyes that are still veiled with that something that is barely out of reach.

The shade of an emotion that you recognize an instant before she diverts her gaze from yours, ducking her head, shoulders sagging a bit before straightening, but not to the usual confident posture you are used to see her in, as if she has grown suddenly unable to hold them up under a weight.

The one of a lie.

Guilt.

Your stomach clenches. And a part inside you turns suddenly cold and stiff at the possibility that Alex has been hiding something from you.

But before you can even sort through your thoughts, try to figure out what that might be, and voice what you don't know how to put into words, a question you are not sure you want to hear the answer to, she is already heading towards the door.

"Come on. We should get back," She says, weakly tugging your still very confused, growing concerned self along with her.

"There are just a couple of lots left and who knows, maybe then our host will decide to make an appearance."

. . .

It is exactly how it goes.

You and Alex sneak back in the vast ballroom just as the auction is coming to an end, and, luckily, just like when you left, no one seems to have noticed your return either.

Whatever feeling that had settled in your stomach, after witnessing that strange look on Alex's face and listening to those puzzling words, gets somehow numbed when you slip back into the auction, but the doubt, the suspicious that such look has triggered, it's still there, poking at the edge of your subconscious.

At the end of the auction, when all the guests are leaving the arranged ballroom and heading towards the other side of the mansion for the continuance of the party, you finally manage to spot Mr. Balik just in the moment he spots you, excusing himself to the couple of buyers he was speaking to, to head in your direction.

"Miss Wilder," He greets you, charming smile and all, something that you return but much more dimly.

"Mr. Balik, thank you for the invitation, the auction was very interesting and the lots extraordinary."

His smile only widens further in satisfaction at the mention of the auction, and you as well as Alex, you're sure, can't help but wonder how much he managed to make with all the sold lots.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I apologize for not showing up earlier." He adds sounding truly apologetic. "My... other business kept me busy until not long ago."

You nod and fake a smile that you hope shows understanding and not the suspicious you are trying to cover up at the sound of this... other business of his.

"I don't believe we met." He says then, glancing pointedly at Alex.

Oh. Right.

The subtle invitation snaps you back to formalities.

"This is my partner," It's the way you introduce Alex for a lack of a better term considering the circumstances. "Miss-"

"Just Alex is fine," Alex chides in with a smile, extending a hand that after a moment of hesitation Mr. Balik takes for a firm shake, uttering a polite, "Nice to meet you." But there is something in his look, some sort of puzzled expression that has shaped his exotic features in the moment Alex said her name, but it is gone before you can really question it.

You already know that they have never met in person before.

Although... used to make deals with Alex's mom. You wonder if that look that crossed his face might be because he noticed some sort of a resemblance maybe...

"She is actually the one interested in the... item... we discussed." You tell him, dismissing the thought, and he nods. That look quickly fading away from his face and with it whatever suspicious had settled in your mind in seeing it.

"Of course. Please, join me in my office so we can discuss more privately."

You accept the invitation, feeling Alex buzzing with a strange sort of energy besides you for the short walk across the foyer and into the office you have already been in. You squeeze her arm and offer her a smile, but she doesn't fully return it, her posture is a bit stiff with alert or maybe with just tension in meeting face to face the man that stole from her, or at least, the one responsible for it.

It's understandable.

But you still stroke her arm, soothingly, and eventually, you feel the tight muscles there starting to relax a bit under your touch.

"So, if I may ask, what do you plan to do with this gem?" He wonders once you are in the office and he starts searching around his desk.

"I like collecting things. Rare gems in particular. And from what my partner said, you seem to have exactly what I'm looking for." It's what Alex offers with a nonchalant shrug and a smile. It's hard and strained and nothing that resembles even distantly the smiles you are used seeing on her face. Your host, however, seems to be completely unaware of the drop of understandable antagonism dripping from Alex's voice and directed to him.

"Well, this surely is a piece worthy of a collection." He admits as he unlocks a drawer and pulls out a black velvet wrap, unfolding it with care on the desktop and then, like tiny shimmering stars blinking in the evening, dozens of gems of different sizes and shapes appear.

The breath you just took catches in your throat at the marvelous sight.

It's like watching a piece of the night unfolding. As if a constellation had been torn off the sky itself.

Alex leaves your side to step forward, in awe, drawn like the metaphorical moth to the flame. Or in this case, tiny flames, sparkling bright, catching the light in the room and trapping it within them.

It's quite the sight watching Alex caught in this veiled stupor, and those gemstones splayed so beautifully casually on that black layer of velvet. But there is one in particular that shines darker...

Mr. Balik picks it up carefully and hands it over to Alex along with a pair of tweezers and a magnifier but she doesn't even need it, you know it. Checking it up close like she does is only a formality, an assurance.

Or at least that's what you believe...

"It's a fine piece." She comments after having examined it, tearing you out from your thoughts and leaving you hanging with a strange kind of excitement fluttering in your belly. But there is something lacking in her voice, even more in her look, a note of coldness where you would have expected enthusiasm after looking at something she has been looking for so long. Something she believed lost forever. But when she pulls back, the words that fall from her lips when she hands the gem back, only add to your growing confusion.

"But I would like to look at the real one if you don't mind."

Actually, "confusion" is a very fucking huge understatement.

You are tempted to ask Alex what is going on, but apparently, you are the only one in the room to feel puzzled.

Mr. Balik however, smirks and then nods, knowingly, with an odd kind of satisfaction that leaves you even more lost.

"You really are an expert." He says then before bending to retrieve something in another locked drawer of his desk. You can't see him, but can hear him digit something on an electronic keypad the and then see him press his thumb on what must be a very sophisticated safe, quite odd considering the rest of the security system around the place.

"It doesn't take an expert to distinguish an aquamarine from a blue zircon," Alex says as the safe clicks unlock.

Wordlessly, after some fumbling with a little black velvet box, Mr. Balik hands over another gem to Alex one that seems identical to the first one he presented. And this time, not only she examines it for a lot less time, but she actually smiles, and you notice how her hand shakes the tiniest bit, her throat bobbing as she swallows hard with emotion.

Your heart swells in your chest when she pulls back with that smile on her face, eyes shimmering almost like the tiny crystalized stone held preciously in her palm.

"Usually I have a price established for this kind of things." Mr. Balik says, and the sound of his voice piercing through this moment that Alex has been waiting for so long, it is all that it takes to her to lose that sparkle in her eyes, that warmth in her look, the smile on her face and turn into something harder, something colder, something that you understand the reason for. "-But this piece is something... unique. So why don't you make me an offer, tell how much is forth for you, and then we move from there?"

Alex's jaw twitches and her lips quirk into an equally cold smile.

"Sure. I was thinking the same price it has already been paid for it."

This time you are not the only one who startles. Mr. Balik looks taken aback as well with the bluntness of that statement.

"Excuse me?"

"Years ago, you sold this very same gem to a woman, a jewels designer here in New York named Diane Vause."

You thought that the point of tonight was going to be end up making a deal, not with Alex confronting him like this. Even without considering his shady reputation it seems a pretty dangerous, mined zone to step in so carelessly.

You trust Alex. You really do. And you want her to chose how to deal with this, but still, some apprehension starts to stir, very uncomfortably in your stomach.

You are almost there to chide in, make Alex retreat just a little, but before you can consider better that option, the look that you have noticed earlier during the introduction passes briefly across 's face once more, dark eyes widening and recognition smoothing out his features.

"You're her." He says. "Alex. Alex Vause. I remember you now."

"And I remember your employee," Alex says, looking pleased by the end of the charade. "The one who sold my mother this gem."

"He made a mistake. One he paid for. That gem was never supposed to be sold in the first place."

Wait.

What?

Even in the thickening air around that is further swelling some anxiety in you, that information definitely gets your full interest.

"You are a smart woman, Miss Vause." He says and there is no mocking there, just a hard honesty. "You have been since you were a teenager, stubborn and a bit troubling like your mother used to say-" It's hard not to notice the way Alex clenches her fist or tightens her jaw at the mention of her mother from this person that stole from her- "-but very clever. Talented, too. And I know why you want that gem. I know you know from where it comes. Don't pretend not to. Or you wouldn't be here now, would you?"

The knowing, twisted smile that he flashes Alex makes you shiver from the inside.

"Alex?" Finally, you glance at her, utterly lost in confusing by those words. "What is he talking about?"

But the only answer that you get is a dismissing "It's nothing" that sounds like anything but "nothing."

Mr. Balik looks between you and her, taking notice of the expression on Alex's face, the same one you have seen flashing there, back in the library. That veil of something hiding a truth, something important, and that feeling of before, the suspicious that had nestled in the depth of your stomach, rises again with a vengeance.

"Oh. That's interesting." The smile that he gives you, the way he nods, has nothing to do with humor, but intrigue, as if he's watching something very unexpected unfold in front of him. And you wish it was different, but his next words cut deep. Sharp like the truth held in them.

"It seems like your partner hasn't shared all the information with you," He says, voicing out loud that same doubt that had been pushed in the back of your mind, and you hate how he says that word, partner, like it is some part of a joke you didn't know you were in. But it's even harder to ignore when Alex avoids your gaze in your search for an explanation.

Something inside you cracks wide open, cold and hollow when she refuses to meet your eyes.

She did lie to you.

About what, you don't know, but you doubt it is anything good, although, apparently you don't have to wonder so much since your host seems willing to inform you.

"Well, since she seems hesitant to share the details, please, let me do the honor." You are not sure you want to hear it but at the same time curiosity and the need to know have the better of you.

"What do you know about the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, Miss Wilder?"

The question is so random that it startles you a bit.

"The Spanish galleon?" You frown. "What does that have to do with..."

But then your voice trails off, because the question, now that you connect the dots, isn't random at all...

It wasn't just a Spanish galleon.

It wasn't just a ship, that sank, because of a hurricane, near the Florida Keys. Over three centuries ago.

It was a ship that sank when it was returning home. Laden with tobacco, copper, silver, gold and...

You swallow. Hard.

And an incredible amount of precious gems.

Realization is slow and sharp and barbed and strangely fulfilling and conclusive all at once despite its rough, spiked edges that scrape your insides raw.

Your eyes widen as you turn sharply to look at Alex, who still refuses to meet your gaze, now downcast with something not unlike embarrassment and... guilt.

"That's the one." Mr. Balik's grave voice resonates around the office, a wicked kind of satisfaction in seeing the wounded look on your face at Alex's omission. "Over forty tonnes of gold and seventy pounds of emeralds went lost in that shipwreck among other valuable items. A treasure worth seven hundred millions. But some of it went recovered. The rest was brought away by the currents, scattered all over the seabed probably..."

His voice fades into a hum in your ears, you barely register the details, returning to glance at Alex instead, unable to take your eyes off her, shocked, confused.

But most of all, hurt.

"Why didn't you tell me?" You ask her then, and it takes a lot to keep your voice steady, to not let that hurt spreading inside you seep into it and collide with the tension that keeps thickening like mist in the room.

This time, Alex turns to look at you. Eyes evasive and apologetic as she utters an answer you don't know if you believe.

"I wasn't sure, Piper."

She wasn't sure? Or she didn't trust you with that detail of information?

The questions are there, swirling relentlessly and threatening to drive you mad.

"I'm afraid I can't sell that gem to you." Mr. Balik interrupts your staring contest, trying to find the answer to those questions in Alex's green eyes but finding nothing if not regret and apologies in those now dim depths.

"It's a piece of history." He continues. "Not to mention the only gem that has been recovered from the other presumed dozen that was logged aboard that ship when it sank. All extracted from a mine that collapsed centuries ago and which location is now long forgotten."

"You seemed quite willing to sell it to me not even two minutes ago." Alex points out, disdain straining her voice once more, maybe even more strongly than before considering that Mr. Balik revealed something she didn't want you to know for some reason.

"You scam people." She accuses, and even under your layer of hurt you find a part of yourself that understands her anger. It's justified. But still unwise right now. "And then you rob them."

Alex has never robbed anyone. You know it. The pieces of ancient jewelry that... catch her interest, don't belong to anyone, and haven't for centuries.

The last thing that you expected to hear from Mr. Balik at the blunt accusation, is a laugh.

It shakes you back into the present, but not far away from those thoughts.

The sound is humorless, and anything like understanding shows on his face.

It chills you from the inside. And, almost instinctively, you find yourself stepping closer to Alex. Seeking for that extra warmth and reassurance that contrasts with everything you are currently feeling for her after her omission.

"It seems like you are not going to let this go, are you?" Mr. Balik asks then, but it's a rhetorical question.

Alex throws him a challenging smile, and while you are a bit envious of the bravery she can muster, you still don't think it's a wise choice. She is the one who told you how these people are the opposite kind with which someone can joke around.

"You are a businessman and I came here to make a deal." She states, shoulders pulled back, head held high, chin jutting out. It inspires a strength and bravery you are nowhere near to even grasp at the moment. On the contrary, you are struggling to not give in to the feeling of uneasiness stirring more insistently inside you.

Mr. Balik nods and after a moment of contemplation, he pulls out his phone makes a quick call but speaks in his language. Farsi maybe. And what you don't understand, inevitably, makes you worried, too.

You and Alex exchange a look, she tries to reassure you, she looks calm enough, but you don't like one bit the look in your host's eyes when he ends the call.

It's cold and calculated.

Like the one of someone who has just found a solution to a problem.

"Very well, Miss Vause," And his voice is even less than friendly or reassuring in any way.

A feeling spreads in your stomach, twisting it into knots, making your heart beat at an unstable rhythm. You are about to turn to Alex and ask her to just leave when a man comes in the office, locking the door behind him, but you don't have the occasion to look at his face.

Feeling Alex suddenly stiffening next to you should have been a forewarning.

But then you see it too.

The sight of cold metal is enough to chill you to the bones.

But the sound that the gun makes when Mr. Balik's associate cocks it, and the wicked smile on his boss' face, turn your blood to ice and freeze you in place.

*leaning very carefully over the edge of a cliff after landslide to take a look down* You still there? Good! I'm gonna go make a rope, you just keep hanging on that cliff guys :P